Journal of Eye Movement Research

24 pages, 12563 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analyzing Gaze During Driving: Should Eye Tracking Be Used to Design Automotive Lighting Functions?

by Korbinian Kunst, David Hoffmann, Anıl Erkan, Karina Lazarova and Tran Quoc Khanh

J. Eye Mov. Res. 2025, 18(2), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/jemr18020013 - 10 Apr 2025

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In this work, an experiment was designed in which a defined route consisting of country roads, highways, and urban roads was driven by 20 subjects during the day and at night. The test vehicle was equipped with GPS and a camera, and the [...] Read more.

In this work, an experiment was designed in which a defined route consisting of country roads, highways, and urban roads was driven by 20 subjects during the day and at night. The test vehicle was equipped with GPS and a camera, and the subject wore head-mounted eye-tracking glasses to record gaze. Gaze distributions for country roads, highways, urban roads, and specific urban roads were then calculated and compared. The day/night comparisons showed that the horizontal fixation distribution of the subjects was wider during the day than at night over the whole test distance. When the distributions were divided into urban roads, country roads, and motorways, the difference was also seen in each road environment. For the vertical distribution, no clear differences between day and night can be seen for country roads or urban roads. In the case of the highway, the vertical dispersion is significantly lower, so the gaze is more focused. On highways and urban roads there is a tendency for the gaze to be lowered. The differentiation between a residential road and a main road in the city made it clear that gaze behavior differs significantly depending on the urban area. For example, the residential road led to a broader gaze behavior, as the sides of the street were scanned much more often in order to detect potential hazards lurking between parked cars at an early stage. This paper highlights the contradictory results of eye-tracking research and shows that it is not advisable to define a holy grail of gaze distribution for all environments. Gaze is highly situational and context-dependent, and generalized gaze distributions should not be used to design lighting functions. The research highlights the importance of an adaptive light distribution that adapts to the traffic situation and the environment, always providing good visibility for the driver and allowing a natural gaze behavior. Full article

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20 pages, 12032 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Visual Coding Based on Attraction Effect on Human–Computer Interface

by Linlin Wang, Yujie Liu, Xinyi Tang, Chengqi Xue and Haiyan Wang

J. Eye Mov. Res. 2025, 18(2), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/jemr18020012 - 8 Apr 2025

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Abstract

Decision-making is often influenced by contextual information on the human–computer interface (HCI), with the attraction effect being a common situational effect in digital nudging. To address the role of visual cognition and coding in the HCI based on the attraction effect, this research [...] Read more.

Decision-making is often influenced by contextual information on the human–computer interface (HCI), with the attraction effect being a common situational effect in digital nudging. To address the role of visual cognition and coding in the HCI based on the attraction effect, this research takes online websites as experimental scenarios and demonstrates how the coding modes and attributes influence the attraction effect. The results show that similarity-based attributes enhance the attraction effect, whereas difference-based attributes do not modulate its intensity, suggesting that the influence of the relationship driven by coding modes is weaker than that of coding attributes. Additionally, variations in the strength of the attraction effect are observed across different coding modes under the coding attribute of similarity, with color coding having the strongest effect, followed by size, and labels showing the weakest effect. This research analyzes the stimulating conditions of the attraction effect and provides new insights for exploring the relationship between cognition and visual characterization through the attraction effect at the HCI. Furthermore, our findings can help apply the attraction effect more effectively and assist users in making more reasonable decisions. Full article

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15 pages, 3391 KiB

Open AccessArticle

OKN and Pupillary Response Modulation by Gaze and Attention Shifts

by Kei Kanari and Moe Kikuchi

J. Eye Mov. Res. 2025, 18(2), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/jemr18020011 (registering DOI) - 7 Apr 2025

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Abstract

Pupil responses and optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) are known to vary with the brightness and direction of motion of attended stimuli, as well as gaze position. However, whether these processes are controlled by a common mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated how [...] Read more.

Pupil responses and optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) are known to vary with the brightness and direction of motion of attended stimuli, as well as gaze position. However, whether these processes are controlled by a common mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated how OKN latency relates to pupil response latency under two conditions: gaze shifts (eye movement) and attention shifts (covert attention without eye movement). As a result, while OKN showed consistent temporal changes across both gaze and attention conditions, pupillary responses exhibited distinct patterns. Moreover, the results revealed no significant correlation between pupil latency and OKN latency in either condition. These findings suggest that, although OKN and pupillary responses are influenced by similar attentional processes, their underlying mechanisms may differ. Full article

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24 pages, 4037 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Eye Movement Indicator Difference Based on Binocular Color Fusion and Rivalry

by Xinni Zhang, Mengshi Dai, Feiyan Cheng, Lijun Yun and Zaiqing Chen

J. Eye Mov. Res. 2025, 18(2), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/jemr18020010 - 5 Apr 2025

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Abstract

Color fusion and rivalry are two key information integration mechanisms in binocular vision, representing the visual system’s processing patterns for consistent and conflicting inputs, respectively. This study hypothesizes that there are quantifiable differences in eye movement indicators under states of binocular color fusion [...] Read more.

Color fusion and rivalry are two key information integration mechanisms in binocular vision, representing the visual system’s processing patterns for consistent and conflicting inputs, respectively. This study hypothesizes that there are quantifiable differences in eye movement indicators under states of binocular color fusion and rivalry, which can be verified through multi-paradigm eye movement experiments. The experiment recruited eighteen subjects with normal vision (nine males and nine females), employing the Gaze Stability paradigm, Straight Curve Eye Hopping paradigm, and Smoothed Eye Movement Tracking paradigm for eye movement tracking. Each paradigm included a binocular color rivalry experimental group (R-G) and two binocular color fusion control groups (R-R, G-G). Data analysis indicates significant differences in indicators such as Average Saccade Amplitude, Median Saccade Amplitude, and SD of Saccade Amplitude between binocular color fusion and rivalry states. For instance, through Z-Score normalization and cross-paradigm merged analysis, specific ranges of these indicators were identified to distinguish between the two states. When the Average Saccade Amplitude falls within the range of −0.905–−0.693, it indicates a state of binocular color rivalry; when the range is 0.608–1.294, it reflects a state of binocular color fusion. Subsequently, ROC curve analysis confirmed the effectiveness of the experimental paradigms in analyzing the mechanisms of binocular color fusion and rivalry, with AUC values of 0.990, 0.741, and 0.967, respectively. These results reveal the potential of eye movement behaviors as biomarkers for the dynamic processing of visual conflicts. This finding provides empirical support for understanding the neural computational models of binocular vision and lays a methodological foundation for developing visual impairment assessment tools based on eye movement features. Full article

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14 pages, 3220 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerosity Perception and Perceptual Load: Exploring Sex Differences Through Eye-Tracking

by Julia Bend and Anssi Öörni

J. Eye Mov. Res. 2025, 18(2), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/jemr18020009 - 3 Apr 2025

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Abstract

This study investigates sex differences in numerosity perception and visuospatial abilities in adults using eye-tracking methodology. We report the results of a controlled dual-task experiment that assessed the participants’ visuospatial and numerosity estimation abilities. We did not observe sex differences in reaction times [...] Read more.

This study investigates sex differences in numerosity perception and visuospatial abilities in adults using eye-tracking methodology. We report the results of a controlled dual-task experiment that assessed the participants’ visuospatial and numerosity estimation abilities. We did not observe sex differences in reaction times and accuracy. However, we found that females consistently underestimated numerosity. This underestimation correlated with higher perceptual load in females, as evidenced by shorter fixation durations and increased fixation rates. These findings suggest that perceptual load, rather than visual or spatial abilities, significantly influences numerosity estimation. Our study contributes novel insights into sex differences in both numerosity estimation and visuospatial abilities. These results provide a foundation for future research on numerosity perception across various populations and contexts, with implications for educational strategies and cognitive training programs. Full article

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23 pages, 662 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Eye-Based Recognition of User Traits and States—A Systematic State-of-the-Art Review

by Moritz Langner, Peyman Toreini and Alexander Maedche

J. Eye Mov. Res. 2025, 18(2), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/jemr18020008 - 1 Apr 2025

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Abstract

Eye-tracking technology provides high-resolution information about a user’s visual behavior and interests. Combined with advances in machine learning, it has become possible to recognize user traits and states using eye-tracking data. Despite increasing research interest, a comprehensive systematic review of eye-based recognition approaches [...] Read more.

Eye-tracking technology provides high-resolution information about a user’s visual behavior and interests. Combined with advances in machine learning, it has become possible to recognize user traits and states using eye-tracking data. Despite increasing research interest, a comprehensive systematic review of eye-based recognition approaches has been lacking. This study aimed to fill this gap by systematically reviewing and synthesizing the existing literature on the machine-learning-based recognition of user traits and states using eye-tracking data following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The inclusion criteria focused on studies that applied eye-tracking data to recognize user traits and states with machine learning or deep learning approaches. Searches were performed in the ACM Digital Library and IEEE Xplore and the found studies were assessed for the risk of bias using standard methodological criteria. The data synthesis included a conceptual framework that covered the task, context, technology and data processing, and recognition targets. A total of 90 studies were included that encompassed a variety of tasks (e.g., visual, driving, learning) and contexts (e.g., computer screen, simulator, wild). The recognition targets included cognitive and affective states (e.g., emotions, cognitive workload) and user traits (e.g., personality, working memory). A set of various machine learning techniques, such as Support Vector Machines (SVMs), Random Forests, and deep learning models were applied to recognize user states and traits. This review identified state-of-the-art approaches and gaps, which highlighted the need for building up best practices, larger-scale datasets, and diversifying tasks and contexts. Future research should focus on improving the ecological validity, multi-modal approaches for robust user modeling, and developing gaze-adaptive systems. Full article

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21 pages, 692 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Do Stress Situations Affect Higher-Level Text Processing in L1 and L2 Readers? An Eye-Tracking Study

by Ziqing Xia, Chun-Hsien Chen, Jo-Yu Kuo and Mingmin Zhang

J. Eye Mov. Res. 2025, 18(2), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/jemr18020007 - 24 Mar 2025

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Abstract

Existing studies have revealed that the reading comprehension ability of readers can be adversely affected by their psychosocial stress. Yet, the detailed impact of stress on various stages of text processing is understudied. This study aims to explore how the higher-level text processing [...] Read more.

Existing studies have revealed that the reading comprehension ability of readers can be adversely affected by their psychosocial stress. Yet, the detailed impact of stress on various stages of text processing is understudied. This study aims to explore how the higher-level text processing ability, including syntactic parsing, sentence integration, and global text processing, of first language (L1) and second language (L2) English readers is affected under stress situations. In addition, the roles of trait anxiety, the central executive function moderating stress effects, in text processing were also examined. Twenty-two L1 readers and twenty-one L2 readers were asked to perform reading comprehension tasks under different stress situations. Eye-tracking technology was adopted to record participants’ visual behaviors while reading, and ten eye-movement measurements were computed to represent the effect of different types of text processing. The results demonstrate that the stress reduced the efficiency of syntactic parsing and sentence integration in both L1 and L2 groups, but only impaired global text processing in L2 readers. Specifically, L2 readers focused more on the topic structure of text to facilitate comprehension under stress situations. Moreover, only L1 readers’ higher-level text processing was affected by trait anxiety, while L2 readers’ processing was mainly related to their reading proficiency level. Future studies and applications were discussed. The findings advance our understanding of stress effects on different stages of higher-level text processing. They also have practical implications for developing interventions to help language learners suffering from stress disorders. Full article

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11 pages, 1462 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantitative Assessment of Fixational Disparity Using a Binocular Eye-Tracking Technique in Children with Strabismus

by Xiaoyi Hou, Xubo Yang, Bingjie Chen and Yongchuan Liao

J. Eye Mov. Res. 2025, 18(2), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/jemr18020006 - 10 Mar 2025

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Abstract

Fixational eye movements are important for holding the central visual field on a target for a specific period of time. In this study, we aimed to quantitatively assess fixational disparities using binocular eye tracking in children with strabismus (before and after surgical alignment) [...] Read more.

Fixational eye movements are important for holding the central visual field on a target for a specific period of time. In this study, we aimed to quantitatively assess fixational disparities using binocular eye tracking in children with strabismus (before and after surgical alignment) and healthy children. Fixational disparities in 117 children (4–18 years; 57 with strabismus and 60 age-similar healthy controls) were recorded under binocular viewing with corrected refractive errors. Disparities in gaze positions relative to the target location were recorded for both eyes. The main outcome measures included fixational disparities along horizontal and vertical axes in the fixation test. Children with strabismus exhibited significant (p < 0.001) fixational disparities compared to healthy children in both horizontal and vertical directions. Additionally, children with esotropia had poorer fixational function compared to those with exotropia. The occurrence of fixational disparities significantly decreased in the horizontal direction following strabismus surgery. A significant negative correlation was observed between binocular best-corrected visual acuity and fixational disparities in children with strabismus. Children with strabismus had significant fixational disparities that were observably diminished in the horizontal direction after surgical alignment. Binocular assessment of fixational disparities can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of visual function in individuals with strabismus. Full article

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22 pages, 8225 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Shape and Decoration on User Experience and Visual Attention in Anthropomorphic Robot Design

by Tao Song

J. Eye Mov. Res. 2025, 18(2), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/jemr18020005 - 3 Mar 2025

Viewed by 541

Abstract

This study aims to explore the effects of Shape and Decoration on user experience and visual attention in anthropomorphic robot design. Eighty undergraduate students were divided into four groups, each viewing one of four stimuli: (a) Non-hat and Non-pattern, (b) Hat and Non-pattern, [...] Read more.

This study aims to explore the effects of Shape and Decoration on user experience and visual attention in anthropomorphic robot design. Eighty undergraduate students were divided into four groups, each viewing one of four stimuli: (a) Non-hat and Non-pattern, (b) Hat and Non-pattern, (c) Non-hat and Pattern, and (d) Hat and Pattern. Eye-tracking data and subjective user experience ratings were collected. The results indicate that both Shape and Decoration have significant effects on user experience and visual attention. The Hat significantly outperformed Non-hat in the dimensions of Attractiveness and Stimulation, while the Pattern showed significant advantages in Stimulation and Novelty. Additionally, Shape and Decoration exhibited a significant interaction effect in the dimensions of Novelty and time to first fixation, suggesting that their combination provides complementary benefits in enhancing perceived novelty and initial visual appeal. Hat and Pattern attracted users’ attention earlier and prolonged fixation time, as seen in time to first fixation, first-pass total fixation duration, and second-pass total fixation duration. For time to first fixation, there was an interaction effect between Shape and Decoration. This study offers strong theoretical support for the design of anthropomorphic robots, highlighting the critical role of Shape and Decoration in user experience. Full article

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13 pages, 1371 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preschool Children with High Reading Ability Show Inversion Sensitivity to Words in Environment: An Eye-Tracking Study

by Yaowen Li, Jing Zhao, Wangmei Chen, Shaoxue Zhang, Wenjing Zhang, Wei Wang, Limin Xu, Shifeng Li and Licheng Xue

J. Eye Mov. Res. 2025, 18(2), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/jemr18020004 - 28 Feb 2025

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Abstract

Words in environmental print are exposed to young children before formally learning to read, and attention to these words is linked to their reading ability. Inversion sensitivity, the ability to distinguish between upright and inverted words, is a pivotal milestone in reading development. [...] Read more.

Words in environmental print are exposed to young children before formally learning to read, and attention to these words is linked to their reading ability. Inversion sensitivity, the ability to distinguish between upright and inverted words, is a pivotal milestone in reading development. To further explore the relationship between attention to words in environmental print and early reading development, we examined whether children with varying reading abilities differed in inversion sensitivity to these words. Participants included children with low (18, 8 males, 5.06 years) and high (19, 10 males, 5.00 years) reading levels. Using an eye-tracking technique, we compared children’s attention to upright and inverted words in environmental print and ordinary words during a free-viewing task. In terms of the percentage of fixation duration and fixation count, results showed that children with high reading abilities exhibited inversion sensitivity to words in environmental print, whereas children with low reading abilities did not. Unexpectedly, in terms of first fixation latency, children with low reading abilities showed inversion sensitivity to ordinary words, while children with high reading abilities did not. These findings suggest that inversion sensitivity to words in environmental print is closely linked to early reading ability. Full article

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19 pages, 962 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reduced Capacity for Parafoveal Processing (ReCaPP) Leads to Differences in Prediction Between First and Second Language Readers of English

by Leigh B. Fernandez and Shanley E. M. Allen

J. Eye Mov. Res. 2025, 18(2), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/jemr18020003 - 26 Feb 2025

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Abstract

Research has shown that first (L1) and second language (L2) speakers actively make predictions about upcoming linguistic information, though L2 speakers are less efficient. While prediction mechanisms are assumed to be qualitatively the same, quantitative prediction-driven processing differences may be modulated by individual [...] Read more.

Research has shown that first (L1) and second language (L2) speakers actively make predictions about upcoming linguistic information, though L2 speakers are less efficient. While prediction mechanisms are assumed to be qualitatively the same, quantitative prediction-driven processing differences may be modulated by individual differences We tested whether L2 proficiency and quality of lexical representation (QLR) impact the capacity of L2 readers to extract parafoveal information while reading, leading to quantitative differences in prediction. Using the same items as Slattery and Yates, we investigated the impact of predictability and length of a critical word on bottom-up parafoveal processing, measured by skipping rates, and top-down predictability processing, measured by reading times. Comparing our L2 English to their L1 English data, we found that L2 speakers skipped less and had longer gaze duration. However, both groups showed increased skipping rate and decreased gaze duration for predictable relative to unpredictable words and for shorter relative to longer words. We argue that L1 and L2 predictability mechanisms are qualitatively the same and quantitative differences stem from L2 speakers’ Reduced Capacity for Parafoveal Processing, the ReCaPP hypothesis. Full article

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J. Eye Mov. Res., Volume 18, Issue 2 (April 2025) – 11 articles

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